Anyone have experience of Dublin US Pre-Clearance? Easy?

mr_jackapple

Hi, travelling to the states next week for the first time. I have my electronic passport, ESTA approval and Advanced Passenger Info all done, so I guess I'm ready.

But does anyone have experience of passing through the pre clearance in Dublin?

I'm quite nervous about it in general as it's my first time. I have full proof of my tourist intentions. (Hotel Booked, return flight booked, some tourist attractions paid for already. and I will be carrying $500 cash, with more in the bank)

Has anyone every been refused, and what reason did they give?

Just worried about loosing all the money for the flight and hotel etc...

Thanks

BuffyBot

mr_jackapple wrote: »

Hi, travelling to the states next week for the first time. I have my electronic passport, ESTA approval and Advanced Passenger Info all done, so I guess I'm ready.

But does anyone have experience of passing through the pre clearance in Dublin?

I'm quite nervous about it in general as it's my first time. I have full proof of my tourist intentions. (Hotel Booked, return flight booked, some tourist attractions paid for already. and I will be carrying $500 cash, with more in the bank)

Has anyone every been refused, and what reason did they give?

Just worried about loosing all the money for the flight and hotel etc...

Thanks

Unless you have a specific reason you think you'll be refused (undeclared criminal convictions, other disqualifiers such as overstaying on previous visits etc), you'll most likely be fine.

They'll probably as you about your plans and that'll be it. Don't worry

mr_jackapple

BuffyBot wrote: »

Unless you have a specific reason you think you'll be refused (undeclared criminal convictions, other disqualifiers such as overstaying on previous visits etc), you'll most likely be fine.

They'll probably as you about your plans and that'll be it. Don't worry

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I think it's just me being me and worry about everything, haha. Thanks

Kensington

Leave yourself plenty of time, 3 hours before gate closure at least, all the US flights leave within the space of a few hours and it gets VERY busy around this time of year.

BabysCoffee

Questions I've been asked are:
What is the purpose of my trip to States?
How long is my trip?
Do I work?
Where do I work?

mr_jackapple

Kensington wrote: »

Leave yourself plenty of time, 3 hours before gate closure at least, all the US flights leave within the space of a few hours and it gets VERY busy around this time of year.

You mean arrive at the airport 3 hours before the flight?

I plan on arriving at about 7AM, flight is at 10:30am, grabbing some breakfast and straight through security and pre-clearance. I want to just get it out of the way, even though I know there's not much to do after pre-clearing.

Thank you.

mr_jackapple

BabysCoffee wrote: »

Questions I've been asked are:
What is the purpose of my trip to States?
How long is my trip?
Do I work?
Where do I work?

Yeah, expected that. Problem is, I don't work. I finished college in June.

Hope they don't start getting picky on that subject. But as I said, I have a return flight and hotel, and proof of tourist intentions.

Thank you.

BabysCoffee

mr_jackapple wrote: »

Yeah, expected that. Problem is, I don't work. I finished college in June.

Hope they don't start getting picky on that subject. But as I said, I have a return flight and hotel, and proof of tourist intentions.

Thank you.

Are you intending to complete further studies in September? Or are you going to be looking for a job on return from your holiday?

I'd have a definite plan in place that you can let them know you are committed to returning to Ireland.

mr_jackapple

BabysCoffee wrote: »

Are you intending to complete further studies in September? Or are you going to be looking for a job on return from your holiday?

I'd have a definite plan in place that you can let them know you are committed to returning to Ireland.

I don't have further studies, but I'm currently job hunting and have already sent a few applications in. I have proof of one application in my email.

I'm travelling with my girlfriend who is currently working, but I doubt that would affect me in any way.

Should I be worried?

BabysCoffee

mr_jackapple wrote: »

I don't have further studies, but I'm currently job hunting and have already sent a few applications in. I have proof of one application in my email.

I'm travelling with my girlfriend who is currently working, but I doubt that would affect me in any way.

Should I be worried?

No you shouldn't be worried. It will be apparent you are not intending to stay in USA.

Do you rent or live at home? Are you in the middle of a lease?

mr_jackapple

BabysCoffee wrote: »

No you shouldn't be worried. It will be apparent you are not intending to stay in USA.

Do you rent or live at home? Are you in the middle of a lease?

Living at home currently as I just finished college. I'm in that transition period of trying to find my own feet in life

As I said, I have a flight home and a hotel confirmed in NYC, I also have several attraction tickets booked and paid for, as well as travel insurance for that period. My bag is filled with shorts and t-shirts, not suits and CV's, ha.

I'll post back next week regarding the outcome, just for any future readers of this who may be in a similar situation.

ProudDUB

OP, how long are you going for? If it's just the bog standard 1-2 week hollier, you've nothing to worry about. Don't wise crack with the Immigration officials btw. I've seen people do that to break the ice, out of sheer nerves. It's not a good idea. Just answer their questions simply and honestly & you'll be fine.

mr_jackapple

ProudDUB wrote: »

OP, how long are you going for? If it's just the bog standard 1-2 week hollier, you've nothing to worry about. Don't wise crack with the Immigration officials btw. I've seen people do that to break the ice, out of sheer nerves. It's not a good idea. Just answer their questions simply and honestly & you'll be fine.

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah it's actually just under 10 days. And as I said I have the return flight booked and the hotel and a lot of other touristy stuff paid for and I have all the proof of those with me.

Thanks for the tip. I'll just answer what is asked and keep it simple. Thank you.

JIdontknow

Seriously OP, don't worry. You're just going on a holiday and have your ESTA, so relax! Depending who you're flying with it can be sometimes worth doing the online check in, so you can pick your own seat if you've a preference, even though for some airlines (United Airlines) I couldn't complete the online check in but had seats allocated but got boarding card at the bag drop off, (Guy in the queue walks around with a tablet checking your details, again it's normal nothing to be worried about) don't worry you're all sorted. You'll walk through the airport, fill in the form at the top of the conveyor before security, basically its your name address and address in USA and one or two other checks) go through security (twice I think, once upstairs at top of escalator and then again downstairs?), then to a kiosk type machine with your passport where you complete the on screen instructions and it prints a receipt type thing. Then you queue to talk to the pre clearance person at the booths, they get you to confirm the picture on screen is your suitcase, scan your fingers, take your picture, ask one or two questions such as what is the purpose of your trip, and what you work at / where do you work don't worry just say the truth, going on holiday not working just finished college, might ask you where you went to college or what you done.

mr_jackapple

JIdontknow wrote: »

Seriously OP, don't worry. You're just going on a holiday and have your ESTA, so relax! Depending who you're flying with it can be sometimes worth doing the online check in, so you can pick your own seat if you've a preference, even though for some airlines (United Airlines) I couldn't complete the online check in but had seats allocated but got boarding card at the bag drop off, (Guy in the queue walks around with a tablet checking your details, again it's normal nothing to be worried about) don't worry you're all sorted. You'll walk through the airport, fill in the form at the top of the conveyor before security, basically its your name address and address in USA and one or two other checks) go through security (twice I think, once upstairs at top of escalator and then again downstairs?), then to a kiosk type machine with your passport where you complete the on screen instructions and it prints a receipt type thing. Then you queue to talk to the pre clearance person at the booths, they get you to confirm the picture on screen is your suitcase, scan your fingers, take your picture, ask one or two questions such as what is the purpose of your trip, and what you work at / where do you work don't worry just say the truth, going on holiday not working just finished college, might ask you where you went to college or what you done.

Thanks v much for the reply.

Flying with Aer Lingus and have our seats booked already and there's rarely a queue at check in so everything is sorted in that regard.

Thanks for your confidence booster needed that. I'm generally one of those people who worries about everything so this is a little nightmare for me, haha. But thank you, honestly.
Yeah I'll just say the exact truth that I'm not working and I just finished college. Keep it simple and straightforward. I may not even mention college and just simply answer "No, I don't work."

Yes, I did get a glimpse of the kiosks in a video that the DAA posted on their website. And you're right, there is a second security point once you get downstairs.

Thanks

coylemj

mr_jackapple wrote: »

Yeah I'll just say the exact truth that I'm not working and I just finished college. Keep it simple and straightforward. I may not even mention college and just simply answer "No, I don't work."

Be careful with that type of information - only give answers in response to direct questions. I'm not saying that you should be evasive but neither do you want to come across as delivering a prepared script so answer each question and leave it at that. Don't volunteer a heap of information for each question, in many case it's the way you answer rather than what you say that matters. Just give direct and honest answers and when you've answered the question, stop talking and wait for the next question i.e. don't blabber on.

And know the zip code of where you will be staying on your first night in the US.

mr_jackapple

coylemj wrote: »

Be careful with that type of information - only give answers in response to direct questions. I'm not saying that you should be evasive but neither do you want to come across as delivering a prepared script so answer each question and leave it at that. Don't volunteer a heap of information for each question, in many case it's the way you answer rather than what you say that matters. Just give direct and honest answers and when you've answered the question, stop talking and wait for the next question i.e. don't blabber on.

And know the zip code of where you will be staying on your first night in the US.

Yeah I must agree with you. I'll give sufficient information to each question and allow them to ask any further questions. As I said previously, if I'm asked about work, I'll simply respond "I don't work" they may ask why not and then I'll just explain that i just left college.

I'll respond to the questions they ask in a simple manner and try not to be too nervous. It's truly nerve racking especially this first time. And I'm only going for a short holiday!

Yeah I have a print out of the hotel confirmation with the address. That's also printed on my ESTA.

Thank you

Kev_2012

Arrive 3 hours early, have your documents in order relating to travel plans/hotels/flights etc, access to a bank statement and most importantly....

DON'T LIE ABOUT ANYTHING!!!

You'll be fine then

good luck

mr_jackapple

Kev_2012 wrote: »

Arrive 3 hours early, have your documents in order relating to travel plans/hotels/flights etc, access to a bank statement and most importantly....

DON'T LIE ABOUT ANYTHING!!!

You'll be fine then

good luck

Thank you.

If they did request to look at my bank account, how much would they be satisfied with? I'm going for 9 days so... 1000€, 2000€, 3000€?

Thanks.

coylemj

mr_jackapple wrote: »

Thank you.

If they did request to look at my bank account, how much would they be satisfied with? I'm going for 9 days so... 1000€, 2000€, 3000€?

Thanks.

They won't request any such thing. Anyone can get daddy to shove money into a bank account, it counts for nothing. And you don't need a printout of your ESTA, that is explicitly stated on the CBP website.

You're worrying far too much.

mr_jackapple

coylemj wrote: »

They won't request any such thing. Anyone can get daddy to shove money into a bank account, it counts for nothing.

You're worrying far too much.

You could be right. I'm totally over thinking the whole thing. It'll be fine. Thanks for your advice.

Tipsy McSwagger

I've been to New York twice in the last few years while unemployed and never had any hassle.

thunderdog

One thing to watch out for is that there is a second security scanner at us clearance.

Caught me out this summer. You have the usual security check point in Dublin airport. I bought lots of drinks etc for plane journey. Got to just before us clearance and there was a second check point. Sadly had to dump all the stuff I had just bought. I'm pretty sure that second security checkpoint wasn't there 5 years ago.

Once past us clearance, the shop options are very limited. Best of luck

anewme

Went through it in June. Was going through about 10am so it was busy. Got asked no questions whatsoever. Just enjoy your trip!

playedalive

thunderdog wrote: »

One thing to watch out for is that there is a second security scanner at us clearance.

Caught me out this summer. You have the usual security check point in Dublin airport. I bought lots of drinks etc for plane journey. Got to just before us clearance and there was a second check point. Sadly had to dump all the stuff I had just bought. I'm pretty sure that second security checkpoint wasn't there 5 years ago.

Once past us clearance, the shop options are very limited. Best of luck

The Second security scanner is the one performed by the US authorities. Once you've passed the U.S. officer, you are going through the motions of entering the United States and the scan is just the one you would do if you were entering the US. It ties up the differences between what the Irish and the US screen for, so while you could get through with some food items in the Irish check, the U.S. check will confiscate it. Usually the CBP website cbp.gov tells you what you can't being into America (Wood, Fruit lunch you bring for the plane, etc...). You have to confiscate that in the bins anyway before you got through the scanner.

It's not a lot of hassle. Once you directly answer the question, you're fine. Enjoy your trip!

scheister

mr_jackapple wrote: »

Hi, travelling to the states next week for the first time. I have my electronic passport, ESTA approval and Advanced Passenger Info all done, so I guess I'm ready.

But does anyone have experience of passing through the pre clearance in Dublin?

I'm quite nervous about it in general as it's my first time. I have full proof of my tourist intentions. (Hotel Booked, return flight booked, some tourist attractions paid for already. and I will be carrying $500 cash, with more in the bank)

Has anyone every been refused, and what reason did they give?

Just worried about loosing all the money for the flight and hotel etc...

Thanks

Travelling to the states for first time later in the year. Have the ESTA sorted got a new passpost but what do you mean by "Advance Passenger Information" Is this an extra form I have to fill out

Riskymove

scheister wrote: »

Travelling to the states for first time later in the year. Have the ESTA sorted got a new passpost but what do you mean by "Advance Passenger Information" Is this an extra form I have to fill out

its information required via your airline

When you book flight there is usually a link to provide the info

coylemj

scheister wrote: »

Travelling to the states for first time later in the year. Have the ESTA sorted got a new passpost but what do you mean by "Advance Passenger Information" Is this an extra form I have to fill out

For US flights, some airlines ask you to fill in your passport details on their website to speed things up at check-in - Aer Lingus does, United does not.

Check your airline website, click on 'manage my booking' and see if they ask for it but if the facility is there, it will have been mentioned in the confirmation e-mail you got when you made the booking as pointed out by the previous poster.

Aer Lingus ask you to supply API for flights to the US, Spain and Portugal.

Jimbob1977

The queues at Dublin Airport depend on TSA staff rosters and the volume of flights.

I have experienced pre-clearance queues of 2 hours on occasion. However, you can be lucky with a swift 20 minutes.

If the queues are lengthy, it can become very stressful as you believe you are going to miss your flight. I've been stuck in the queue at 11.20 and my flight is departing at 11.30!

However, there will be dozens of passengers in the same predicament. Airline representatives tend to call them out of the queue and rush them to the top of the line. Unless you arrive at the airport late, most people will make their flight.

Some hints:

o Arrive at Dublin Airport about 3.5 to 4 hours before your flight. You also have to clear Security, whose queues can be just as bad as US pre-clearance. The earlier you arrive, the less stress you will encounter.

o If you have no idea where you are spending the first night, pick a hotel address and zip code out of the Lonely Planet or a website. Don't fake the address and zip code. Apparently they know fake combinations and will treat it as a lie. Bad start.

o Don't make small talk or crack jokes. The staff are very stern. It's a cold business transaction.

o Once the ESTA is pre-completed and you have a printout, it is a formality.

o Only fill out one Customs Declaration per travelling group

rednik

As you stand in the queue you will see exactly what happens. You will be fingerprinted electronically, your photo will be taken and if you have checked in any bags you will be shown a photo of these bags to confirm they are yours.

ProudDUB

Jimbob1977 wrote: »

Arrive at Dublin Airport about 3.5 to 4 hours before your flight. You also have to clear Security, whose queues can be just as bad as US pre-clearance. The earlier you arrive, the less stress you will encounter.

I'm a big fan of getting to the airport with loads of time to spare, but even I think four hours is excessive.

Regarding US Immigration officials, most of them live here year around, are married to Irish spouses and are rearing their families here. They are there to do a job and are not to messed with, but they aren't as fearsome as their reputations would lead people to believe. I know a couple of them.

coylemj

ProudDUB wrote: »

I'm a big fan of getting to the airport with loads of time to spare, but even I think four hours is excessive.

+1 it's the first time I've seen someone suggest turning up more than three hours in advance on this forum.

ProudDUB wrote: »

Regarding US Immigration officials, most of them live here year around, are married to Irish spouses and are rearing their families here. They are there to do a job and are not to messed with, but they aren't as fearsome as their reputations would lead people to believe. I know a couple of them.

But you could always get the official who has just been transferred here and perhaps who hasn't adjusted to the fact that we don't do the standard 'yes sir, no ma'am' routine which is standard practice when dealing with government officials stateside.

I agree that they are a friendly lot but I would still advise people such as the OP who are nervous about the process to be polite and courteous but not to cross the line into friendly banter.

ProudDUB

coylemj wrote: »

+1 it's the first time I've seen someone suggest turning up more than three hours in advance on this forum.



But you could always get the official who has just been transferred here and perhaps who hasn't adjusted to the fact that we don't do the standard 'yes sir, no ma'am' routine which is standard practice when dealing with government officials stateside.

I agree that they are a friendly lot but I would still advise people such as the OP who are nervous about the process to be polite and courteous but not to cross the line into friendly banter.

I know. I pretty said as much, in my post on the first page of this thread.

I have had more dealing with them of the non standard variety, than your average tourist.

From 2008 to 2011, my green card was flagged as being stolen. (Due to fcuk up on my part when I renewed it.) So, every time I passed through Dublin airport, I was taken into the little office beside the old T1 departure gates & made to account for myself, before I was let board the plane.

They couldn't have been nicer or more professional, especially in 2009 when I broke down in tears, when I was returning back to the States after my mothers funeral. I was provided with a box of Kleenex, a brandy and several rather embarrassed pats on the back, before being sent on my way. So, I just think they get an undeserved bad rap on here sometimes.

él statutorio

ProudDUB wrote: »

I know. I pretty said as much, in my post on the first page of this thread.

I have had more dealing with them of the non standard variety, than your average tourist.

From 2008 to 2011, my green card was flagged as being stolen. (Due to fcuk up on my part when I renewed it.) So, every time I passed through Dublin airport, I was taken into the little office beside the old T1 departure gates & made to account for myself, before I was let board the plane.

They couldn't have been nicer or more professional, especially in 2009 when I broke down in tears, when I was returning back to the States after my mothers funeral. I was provided with a box of Kleenex, a brandy and several rather embarrassed pats on the back, before being sent on my way. So, I just think they get an undeserved bad rap on here sometimes.

I'd agree with that, at the booths they're all business but in the office they're just regular people. When I had all my greencard paperwork and they were checking it in the back office, the officer there was great, lots of small talk,telling me places I should go to etc.

Foxtrol

thunderdog wrote: »

One thing to watch out for is that there is a second security scanner at us clearance.

Caught me out this summer. You have the usual security check point in Dublin airport. I bought lots of drinks etc for plane journey. Got to just before us clearance and there was a second check point. Sadly had to dump all the stuff I had just bought. I'm pretty sure that second security checkpoint wasn't there 5 years ago.

Once past us clearance, the shop options are very limited. Best of luck

They've expanded that scanner area in the last few years but I'm pretty sure they've always had it since preclearance began.

Did they ask you to dump the stuff or did you do it yourself? There is normally no issue with liquids or processed foods at that scanner.

dudara

Bringing water & drinks through the second scanner is fine, unless something has changed recently?

I pass through very regularly for work. The only paperwork I ever have in my hand is my passport, boarding pass and customs form. I've never been asked for other documentation, but everything else is accessible through my phone if I need it.

Just answer honestly and simply. They are trained to spot evasive answers, but they're normally very straightforward, efficient and often very pleasant. If you've travelled to the US before, they sometimes ask a few questions to cross-check your recent visits.

Del2005

Jimbob1977 wrote: »

Some hints:


o Don't make small talk or crack jokes. The staff are very stern. It's a cold business transaction.


o Only fill out one Customs Declaration per travelling group

Last time I travelled the person on pre clearance started making some jokes and we had a bit of banter back, but definitely don't start it.

When we travelled the customs form was per household, has it changed?

bpmurray

I've travelled back & forth probably well over 100 times over the years. However, I always have hassles - there's someone with the same name & DOB as me so I had to get a real visa rather than going ESTA. While I was being interviewed in the back (I get to visit it every time!) there was a guy who had been refused because he had visited Iran at some point: there's a list of countries which are a deal-breaker if you've visited them, but they're the kinds of places that are really unusual, like Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, etc.

ProudDUB

bpmurray wrote: »

I've travelled back & forth probably well over 100 times over the years. However, I always have hassles - there's someone with the same name & DOB as me so I had to get a real visa rather than going ESTA. While I was being interviewed in the back (I get to visit it every time!) there was a guy who had been refused because he had visited Iran at some point: there's a list of countries which are a deal-breaker if you've visited them, but they're the kinds of places that are really unusual, like Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, etc.

Small world. Was it this fella?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057630511

whitey1

I come home every summer and you can definitely run into some very stern officials. Dont be fustering around when you get up to them....have everything ready to go and treat it like a business transaction....not like some people I have seen who think theyre making a new best friend (cringe)

Unfortunately we had a most horrific experience flying out of Dublin one time........line for preclearance was all the way back almost into the duty free area. we spent 2 hours in the preclearance line alone, all the time hearing announcements for people on other flights that their gate was closing and their bags were going to be removed. We ran down to our gate with about 10 mins to spare to find a half empty plane. Pilot came on and said that he would have to hold the plane for at least an hour and a half.

I travel extensively for work stateside and have never been in a more stressful situation......kids acting up didnt help either

mr_jackapple

Hi everyone, well I made it through without any problems.

I was just asked 1) How much money I was carrying in my wallet, 2) What was at the location I put down on my departure form, 3) What was the purpose of my visit, 4) what was the duration of my visit, 5) how did I pronounce my surname..., 6) was this my first time visiting the US.... And that was it!

It lasted about 30 seconds and then I was stamped as "Admitted". Once I landed in JFK, I was so surprised at how quickly I was outside the airport. No customs or immigration, at all!

ProudDUB

Yeah, when you pre clear Customs and Immigration in Ireland, your flight is deemed to be a domestic flight, as technically you entered US territory before you left Ireland. So once you physically get to the States, you are just another domestic flight arriving from Chicago, or Boston or wherever & the Arrivals procedure is the same as them. Glad it all went well. Have fun !

endofrainbow

mr_jackapple wrote: »

Hi everyone, well I made it through without any problems.



It lasted about 30 seconds and then I was stamped as "Admitted". Once I landed in JFK, I was so surprised at how quickly I was outside the airport. No customs or immigration, at all!

That's the whole purpose of pre-clearance !

Marcusm

thunderdog wrote: »

One thing to watch out for is that there is a second security scanner at us clearance.

Caught me out this summer. You have the usual security check point in Dublin airport. I bought lots of drinks etc for plane journey. Got to just before us clearance and there was a second check point. Sadly had to dump all the stuff I had just bought. I'm pretty sure that second security checkpoint wasn't there 5 years ago.

Once past us clearance, the shop options are very limited. Best of luck

You don't have to dump liquids at the second scan.

dougm1970

going in 3 weeks with my 16 yr old son (10 night trip staying in manhattan). a couple of questions, and thanks in advance for any replies.

1. when originally filling out esta forms etc i put our original hotel on it, but as some negative reviews were playing on my mind about it i recently changed hotels to a more suitable one i found..will this be an issue if an officer asks which address i declared on the esta ?

2. can me and my son go through the checks together ?...or will he have to have all info like hotel address too if i have to wait yards away from him ?

circular flexing

1. You can update hotel address in the ESTA website. Though I don't think it will cause any issue if you don't.

2. You will be able to go through together.

catbear

Do not make small talk, personality is not a requirement for homeland security.

If you find yourself sitting beside a yank let them bring up politics. If you mark yourself as not liking Trump you could find yourself facing a five hour lecture on the evils of socialism.

You could try telling them you're a muslim but they'd probably freak and divert to Iceland.

dudara

To be honest, from my experience the address on the ESTA seems to matter diddly squat. Just make sure to have a real address. You can update it on the ESTA website if it really matters to you.

dougm1970

dudara wrote: »

To be honest, from my experience the address on the ESTA seems to matter diddly squat. Just make sure to have a real address. You can update it on the ESTA website if it really matters to you.

yes. i updated it yesterday evening. for some reason i was worried that changing that would mean making a whole new application. but it was easy without issue.

coylemj

dougm1970 wrote: »

yes. i updated it yesterday evening. for some reason i was worried that changing that would mean making a whole new application. but it was easy without issue.

An ESTA approval lasts two years (or when your passport expires, if that happens first) and covers multiple trips so they allow you to change the address on the ESTA website to cover your next trip. Otherwise you'd have to make a new application every time unless you were always going to the same place to stay the first night.